Irene S. Carleton

HERMON - Irene (Sanford) Carleton, 83, passed away peacefully April 7, 2014 at a Dover-Foxcroft nursing facility. Irene was born in Hampden, April 15, 1930, the daughter of George and Frances (Palmer) Sanford.

Irene grew up in Hampden and was a graduate of Hampden Academy. She married the love of her life, Harold, and began their family. Irene was a wonderful homemaker and mother, raising four children. She was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Irene will be remembered as a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Irene is survived by her loving children, James H. Carleton of Dover-Foxcroft, John W. Carleton and wife, Colleen (O'Connor) of Garland, and Jeffrey A. Carleton and wife, Jennifer (Gendron), of Lewiston; grandchildren, Derrick Carleton and wife, Sara (Burrill), Tonya Carleton and husband, Jeffrey Bryden, Ashley Carleton and fiance, Garrett Allard, and Benjamin Carleton; five great-grandchildren, Zachary Carleton Bryden, Cole Bryden, Jayden Bryden, Hayley Marie Carleton, and Cameron Allard; sisters-in-law, Marie Sanford of Hampden and Hazel Sanford of Hampden, as well as nieces and nephews. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Harold W. Carleton, a son, Michael W. Carleton and brothers, Jerome Sanford and George Sanford.

Family and friends are invited to visit 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014 at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden, where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014 with Pastor Garnett Chute of Hermon Baptist Church officiating. Memorial contributions in Irene's honor may be made to the Whitcomb-Baker V.F.W. Post #4633, P.O. Box 555, Hampden, ME 04444. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.